The east of Madagascar is known for its tropical wet climate, evergreen rainforests full of wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. This region is special and attracts nature lovers from around the world to see its natural beauty.
7-Day East Madagascar Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & City Overview
- Day 2: Drive to Andasibe with Stop at Peyrieras Reptile Park
- Day 3: Explore Andasibe National Park & Vakona’s Island of Lemurs
- Day 4: Travel to Akanin’ny Nofy via Manambato & Pangalanes Channel
- Day 5: Palmarium Reserve Visit & Evening Trip to Aye Aye Island
- Day 6: Return by Boat & Drive to Mantasoa
- Day 7: Drive Back to Antananarivo & Departure
Detailed 7-Day East Madagascar Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & City Overview
When you arrive in Antananarivo (Tana), you will be met and warmly welcomed at the airport, then transferred to your hotel for the night. Antananarivo, which means “City of Thousands,” was founded about 500 years ago when King Andrianjaka sent 1,000 soldiers to clear the forest and take over the land.
Later, King Andrianampoinimerina built a palace here and began uniting the different kingdoms of the island. During King Radama’s rule, Antananarivo became the capital of Madagascar.
The city is built on three levels: the high city, where the queen’s palace is located; the mid-city, the main administrative area; and the low city, which is the commercial center.
Day 2: Drive to Andasibe with Stop at Peyrieras Reptile Park
Today you will drive 4 to 5 hours to Andasibe, passing through green, humid forests, lakes, rice fields, waterfalls, and small villages. Along the way, you will stop at Peyrieras Reptile Park to see chameleons and other reptiles.
In the forest, you might spot two types of lemurs: the sifaka (Coquerel’s) and the brown lemur (Fulvus). You will spend the night at a hotel.
Day 3: Explore Andasibe National Park & Vakona’s Island of Lemurs
You will start with a 3 to 4-hour guided walk in Andasibe National Park, a large rainforest in the east. The park is home to nine species of lemurs, including the famous Indri Indri, the largest lemur in Madagascar.
You’ll also see orchids, chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. After the walk, visit Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka community that relies on farming.
Then visit Vakona’s private park, known as the “Island of Lemurs,” a great place for photos. You will spend the night at a hotel.
Day 4: Travel to Akanin’ny Nofy via Manambato & Pangalanes Channel
After breakfast, you’ll continue east on National Road 2 for about 3 hours to Manambato. You will stop in Brickaville for a short visit to this old colonial town. From there, you’ll drive 10 km to a crossroads, then 7 km on a dirt road to Manambato, a small village on the edge of Lake Rasoa Be.
This is where you will board a 1-hour boat ride to Akanin’ny Nofy, which means “Nest of Dreams.” You’ll cross Rasoa Be Lake and the Pangalanes Channel, an artificial waterway built during colonial times.
Along the way, you can spot birds and enjoy the green scenery. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 5: Palmarium Reserve Visit & Evening Trip to Aye Aye Island
Today is a great day for bird lovers. Start early with a bird-watching trip, then return for breakfast. Later, hike in the Palmarium Reserve, home to seven species of lemurs, with the Indri Indri as the main highlight.
The reserve is also rich in reptiles, birds, frogs, and plants like orchids, palm trees, and vanilla. The bungalows are inside the park, so you’ll be close to the lemurs all day.
In the evening around 5:30 pm, take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Ampitabe to visit the “Aye Aye Island,” a small park created to protect the rare aye aye lemur.
This 1-hour visit lets you see these special lemurs up close in their natural environment.
Day 6: Return by Boat & Drive to Mantasoa
After breakfast, take a 1-hour boat ride back to Manambato, crossing Lake Ampitabe and the Pangalanes Channel. From there, you’ll travel by dirt road for about 45 minutes back to the main road.
Stop again in Brickaville for a short walk, then continue 4 to 5 hours to Mantasoa, where you’ll spend the night at a hotel.
Day 7: Drive Back to Antananarivo & Departure
Today you’ll return to Tana. First, you’ll take the 15 km road to Ambatoloaka, then drive 60 km north on National Road 2. This area is a transition between the humid eastern climate and the cooler highlands.
You’ll pass rice fields, rocky hills, eucalyptus forests, and charcoal ovens. Once back in Tana, you will connect to your international flight home.
